DM Robert - "The whole city will be in the streets." Monday March 9th, 2020 8:27:22 PM
Micah needs time to reflect upon the day's events.
Stohp feels that the merfolk will kill Peerimon.
Carver has no real opinoon one way or the other, he decides to drink.
Bartomus finds himself in agreement with the Paragon and the judges.
Stock declines Pepper's offer.
Zanderallen feels the city may need some reforming but Peerimon's methods were too extreem. It seems he is the only one to go with Pepper.
Dorbin tries to determine the justice system of the merfolk.
Sid? ___________________
Alas poor Peerimon we knew him well. Try as he might there are just too many unknowns to allow Dorbin to figure out what's in store for Peerimon. DM note, his fate is in MikeK's hands. I know what I would have done with him but it was deemed too severe.
The Shields find time slipping away. Days pass into weeks and all those fiddly little chores, projects, and errands that have been put off while you've had to go save the world, or the Float, or a strange city, have at last been accomplished. It's been restful and to some extent the Shields have needed a rest.
DM note Feel free to post anything your character will do in the 2 months of idle time.
One fine morning the Shields are sitting down to their communal breakfast when there appears to be some sort of hubbub going on outside. Maybe it's a riot. You decide to take a peak outside and it seems there's quite the stir. Something has the people in a tizzy. You hear a lot of gossipy talk, 'Came right out of that Teucri Gates over near the Customs House,' and 'They sure didn't declare no customs and with all them chests they was carrin'.' Easy knowledge - as you know it has been rumored that each level of the Float has a Teucri Gate located somewhere on it. It's just that for the most part they are closed. Apparently some of the old codgers of the city actually knew where it was on the Fence.
To query the folk please make Diplomacy 15 or Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { It appears a contingency of Drow walked through the gateway and then started making their way up the stairs.}
If you made the roll above and or someone who did shares with everyone then.
Knowledge Local 10 or History 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {It has been many years since Drow have had contact with the Float. Almost a decade ago there was a rumor of a trade agreement with some surface Drow.}
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character d20+3=18 ; d20+3=14 ; Monday March 9th, 2020 9:07:23 PM
Carver spends the time getting to know the locals, or rather letting them get to know him. He can often be found playing in various taverns or telling stories of far off places for some of the local children. He makes sure he has any permits or such that he needs. He also donates some time at the Temple of Gargul, the Priests there know more about Lord Gargul than he does, and he learns more about being a Grim. The morning of the excitement, (auto pass the diplomacy check) Carver is drinking some wine and mentions to the rest what he's heard and knows. "Sounds like some Drow arrived unannounced and started heading top side. Think it has anything to do with the trade deal that was rumored a few years ago?" (passed local, failed history)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 Tuesday March 10th, 2020 7:53:09 AM
Stohp spends the time getting her WLA training and catching up with various people. She visits her sister Koh several times; the monk is really prospering at the monastery. She checks on the priests at the temple of love. Keeps an ear out with her Ratfolk friends for any trouble down on the trash. Takes a short trip to the woods to check on the Lizardfolk. Does some charity work and volunteering.
When the news of the Drow comes she isn't all that interested. "I guess the lords are reaching out for more trade deals. Good for them, but nothing to do with us." She already has plans to visit the upper levels and see what she can find out about how relations with the Merfolk are developing, if at all. Drow visiting aren't really interesting enough to change her plans.
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 d20=1 ; d20+12=26 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2020 10:41:37 AM Training, Tattoos, and Chores
Bartomus enjoyed the normalcy that followed their adventures. There were commissions he had to finish and new projects he had to lay out. Work now was something of a new adventure, albeit not one with swords and swimming shark men. But, it was enjoyable to see the delight on his customer's face when he showed up with a finished piece. Most were surprised that he was even still carving the various bone pieces that they had asked for before he became familiar face about the Float.
He was able to take the Woldian League of Adventurers' casting class. That was truly a training underfire with various others shooting blunted arrows about him, charging him with wooden swords, padded pikes, and the like. He was truly questioning a few times how it was he had paid to be so thoroughly bruised and battered while he soaked in the hot mineral waters of the bathhouse. Yet, by the end of the days of training, despite the sore muscles and bruised skin, he was able to cast his spells under most of the crazy scenarios that his instructors and tutors had devised.
He also was given insight into a way to help cure a larger group of individuals. It was a major efffort and one that required his concentration even more so, but the elder druids felt it was a spell that he needed to know. It took time, but he learned the way to set his mind for first having it available, then for using it.
He also walked about the Float with a bit more confidence and inquisitive nature that before wasn't part of his life in the big floating cube. When he could, he helped with projects about the Shields' headquarters, though sometimes it was just easier to stand holding things than actually trying to do the work that was needed to be done.
He also had a few appointments down in the lower level of the Float with the cute tattoo artist that he had met during the zombie like attack. What had been an upper quarter sleave, as she called it, grew and the lines were worked in to extend the artwork downward on his arms and across the right arm's shoulder and into the center of his back. They talked about his adventures so far, and amongst the greenery of the inked foliage, she wove in various aspects of the Shields' adventures. She even worked the dark lines across the ribs below his inner arm of a mermaid princess complete with a tiara and a smile that seemed to be a bit of the artist and a bit of Bart's fancy. That last appointment was the night before and he was still a bit sore as he sat down at the breakfast table.
They had been getting an update from Stoph of the things occurring in the forest with both the lizardfolk and the ratfolk settlements. He had just offered to go on the next visit, as it would get him out of the Float and give him the chance to maybe acquire some new items from some of their artisans, when a commotion began outside. He was a bit distracted and a bit sore on his right side, but looked at Stohp and asked, "So the Drow, have we met them before? I don't think I have? Where would the have come from?"
Two rolls - didn't realize I had done the first so going with a total fail for this.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] d20+9=21 ; d20+19=30 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2020 1:11:42 PM
Dorbin spends most of his time practicing spells, researching, and playing with his cat and other piles of animals that he summons from time to time.
When Carver mentions the arrival of the drow, Dorbin adds in, "Oh. Their type have not been seen here in quite some time. I mean, sure, there's always interesting rumors, but I'm reasonably sure that none of the drow have been here in years and years."
OOC: Perception: 21 Knowledge, Local, Float: 30
Stock (JonM) HP: 96/96; AC: 25/22/16; Per: +14; Surv: +11; SM: +7 d20+3=22 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2020 1:48:30 PM
At first, Stock hustles to get in his Officer training at the WLA. The time spent at the WLA is enjoyable but still he feels like he is beginning to miss out on some kind of fun. Once trained, he spends his days getting an early start and working in the woodshop. His pace begins to slow as he begins to realize that he frankly doesn't have much to do. He seems strangely directionless. He would take a hunk of wood and apply his plane to it, accumulating wood shavings until the wood was just a thin nub of what it once was.
When he hears of a situation involving Drow, he is brought out of his stupor in a flash. "Drow? Aren't they some kind of elf? Sid - Are these friends of yours? Why does this feel like its the start of something?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+1=11 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2020 6:58:42 PM
The night after the trial Zander's sleep is troubled, plagued by nightmares of a tentacled monster holding his crushed body while it tears apart his friends and loved ones. He leaves the HQ before anyone else and disappears for a few days. Eventually he is found splitting his time between the forges in Domi's temple and the training grounds of the WLA. Possibly driven slightly mad by the nightmares he is trying to push himself, thinking he failed because he was not strong enough. He is talked out of this delusion but not before he has conditioned his body to take punishment that would leave most others helpless. Finally seeing the stupidity of it, he apologizes to his friends and works on moving past it. Luckily for him there is a new bright spot in his life. Zanderallen continues to call on Miss Plates and soon it was known that the two of them were going steady. But as time went Zander looked for ways to spend his time. Martial exercise could only be carried on for so long. He continued his musical practice, starting to grow almost decent in song and with his lyre. He found ways to help out around the fence and looked into ways to get into politics.
Eating breakfast that morning, he was thinking over his plans for the day. Sword and hammer drills in the morning, lunch with Pepper, help Otto Man rearrange his display that afternoon, dinner at the Fatted Calf, and then lyre practice in the evening. When they figure out the commotion was about a group of drow and they came out the supposedly closed gate on the Fence he wonders how far off those plans were about to get thrown. "Shields, I have a feeling our time of idleness may be drawing to an end. It may be nothing, but something tells me we may get involved. I'm going to go see if the Weekly Bugle has any records of the last Drow visit, and tell Pepper her next front page story just appeared out of thin air." With those words he finishes the last couple bites of his breakfast and leaves for Rosebud, buckling on his sword and wondrous items, but keeping his armor in his bag of holding on his belt as has become his standard city practice. ------------------------------------------------------------ WLA feat: Diehard Diplomacy auto success Know(Local) 11
Sid(Andrew) HP: 42/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 6; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20+13=24 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+11=26 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2020 7:39:33 PM
Sid spends the first few days home cuddled up with Elly, reading and chatting. When she has finally had enough and gets back to work, he sulks a bit and finalizes things with Torbin Cooke. Hiring some consults from the Ratfolk he and Torbin get the trash collection business going. Labor is stabilized and they figure out how to sort and deal with rubbish mending, recycling and composting until they figure out how to make the trash of the Float part of a "Virtuous Cycle".
It should be noted that they are not just dumping on the Trash Level. The theory of a full small civilization, like a hamlet or small town being a dump never sat well with Sid. During this time he gets eyes and contacts on the Trash and the Fence, letting him know when there's trouble. He and Torbin have been working on uses of wood scraps and other detritus that doesn't involve throwing it into the water. Using his growing mercantile senses he endeavors everyday for zero waste. Arrows are made, hammer stock make, wooden nails. pillow covers, and a dozen other items that can be sold local to the growing work force of Ratkin, Lizardfolk, and Floaters.
The day of the riot he is with the Shields having breakfast and reading the paper. He imparts the information about the Gates and the Drows to the other Shields.
Perception: 13 Knowledge(Local): 25 Profession(Merchant): 26 (For business acumen)
DM Robert - "Why does this feel like its the start of something?" Tuesday March 10th, 2020 8:27:15 PM
Carver gets to know the locals and allows himself to be known. He tries to learn more about the ways of Gargul.
Stohp busies herself with visiting friends and doing some training. She's not much interested in the Drow.
Bartomus finishes some projects and does some serious training with the WLA. He makes some acquaintances. He wonders about the Drow.
Dorbin practices magic. He's pretty sure the Drow have not been around for awhile.
Stock does some training with the WLA and piddles around the shop. He finds he lacks focus. Could adventuring be in his blood now. He's excited about the Drow visiting.
Zanderallen appears to be suffering from PTSD. He concentrates on his training. Only his friends and a miss Pepper Plates are able to bring him back from the brink where he imagined himself for too long. He decides to head out to check with Pepper and see what she may know about the Drow.
Sid works on building his mercantile empire. He relates that it has been many years since Drow have had contact with the Float. Almost a decade ago there was a rumor of a trade agreement with some surface Drow.
Micah? ___________________
While Zanderallen dashes out the door...I'm not sure who would follow, him. From your texts it appears that only Stock may go with him because of his excitement. I will allow you to assert which party split you went with in your next post. By the way cudos to many of you for really putting forth effort on your 2 months of down time. Hero point to Bartomus, Zanderallen, and Sid for building their character story.
Those that stay at or near Shield HQ see a lizardman headed toward you. You recognize Tanglefoot, the young lizardfolk ambassador to the Float. Sense Motive 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {He seems to be walking with grim determination, maybe even some anger.}. He see's you and raises his arm in greeting. "All my friends. Greetings. " He shakes his head. "Can you believe the audacity of those dark ones? Inconceivable. Just to pop in on your fair city and demand an audience with the town council. As if decent, civilized folks would allow them in the door. Why it's just inconceivable." He's clearly not happy.
Prying some information out of Tanglefoot, Diplomacy 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a long history of animosity with the LizardFolk and the Drow. A millennia or more ago both lived in the Crying Wood. And both worked together to live in the wood that was hostile to animal life. But then the Drow started a war with the Lizardfolk, and caused many of their communities to be destroyed by the forest. The Lizardfolk rallied with the aid of the Great Dragon and were able to drive the Drow from the forest, which appeased the sentient wood and then they were given safe havens in the woods.}
At Rosebud Zanderallen and company find that Pepper is already gone off. Seems that most of the reporters have left trying to find out what's going on, (the book publishing staff is still on site). The only Bugle staff person is none other than Jonas Jonas Jameson, editor in chief of the Weekly Bugle. He groumbles around his cigar, "Fine thing you heroes showing up. Figured you'd be in the thick of the Drow. But I see you're not all sword and glory and seeking information on your foes is commendable." He shows you to the archives.
Searching the Archives, Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {It seems that long ago (game time probably 15 years ago) the Crimson Shields of Hope made contact with the surface Drow city of It-lal. The Crimson Shields set up a trade agreement between the Float and the Drow city. There are 3 houses of Drow in It-lal, all led by a female matriarch. The city is located north-east of the Float. maps. }
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character d20+17=29 ; d20+17=21 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 12:08:30 AM
Carver watches as some take off, he decides to stay at head quarters for now. He was still having breakfast after all. Having been around for a while, he recognizes the Lizardfolk walking towards HQ (Auto pass Sense Motive) "Hey Tanglefoot, bad day?" Carver tries to get more info from him. (Diplomacy 29) "Wonder what they are here for, maybe they want to make amends." (Diplomacy 21 to keep him calm)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 d20+9=11 ; d20+9=10 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 3:43:18 AM
Stohp hasn't left yet and listens as Carver learns about the Lizardfolk and Drow's history. She isn't particularly sympathetic or diplomatic about his complaints (11 diplomacy). "Well what else were they going to do? If you want any long term deals with the town best to clear things with the powers that be first. That's all the Drow are doing.
As for letting them in the door, we don't have the same historical conflicts your tribe does. I don't put much stock in such things myself. Back in my homeland the Minotaurs and Centaurs have been killing each other for centuries, every fight and every atrocity justified by some past action. It's just an endless stupid circle of misery."
Stock (JonM) HP: 96/96; AC: 25/22/16; Per: +15; Surv: +12; SM: +8 d20+15=20 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 10:22:10 AM
Stock joins Z and digs into the research with relish. It remains to be seen how long he can keep his enthusiasm up for this kind of adventuring.
"Look here - it says ...'the Crimson Shields of Hope made contact with the surface Drow city of It-lal....looks like there was some kind of a trade agreement between the Float and the Drow city...' Are they still even trading? Anyway, within It-lal there are a bunch of female led houses. Maybe 3...looks like the city is off to the northeast...Will be interesting to see what the Drow have to say to the city. I haven't seen the city stir like this in a while..."
[i]========== Perception 20
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] d20+9=20 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 11:42:48 AM
Dorbin pauses for a bit when Zander gets ready to run off. His initial reaction is to avoid that excitement, but he thinks back to the words of the dean at the library and jumps to his feet. "Zander is right, it is time to move once again! Onward Silver Shields!" He quickly runs after Zander to find out more. He helps Stock search and sees the information he finds as well (perception: 20). He says, "This could be another opportunity for the Float. This could get interesting. We should go find someone on the gold level and see if we can get information on this meeting."
Micah (John) HP: 80/80 AC: 25/12/25 CMD:17 (Swim 30) d20+18=34 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 11:57:41 AM
Micah has kept to himself except to get supplies and ti advance his WLA training.
Only when Tanglefoot appears does he come out of his self isolation to talk to him. After descending the stairs to greet him, he rummages for the pot and tea, beckoning the young lisardfolk to join him at the table. After engaging him about the drow situation. He gets to the point. "Are you here on your own, or is your visit to the Shields more official?"
_______ Diplomacy 34
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+5=8 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 4:45:05 PM
Zander smiled warmly at Jonas as the man greeted them. He had heard plenty of complaints about the man from Pepper, and figured if a reporter complained so much about her editor he was probably very good at his job. "Appreciate the help Jonas, I was hoping to surprise Pepper with the news but she probably woke up this morning with her quill twitching. I swear she's got some sort of 6th sense." Sitting down he begins digging through the archives and quickly remembers why he pursued a martial path. The stacks of papers around him lose all sense of order. Grateful for Dorbin and Stock he quickly abandons his own search when they cry out. "Crimson Shields again, it seems fated that we should follow in their footsteps. Thank Jonas, make sure when Pepper submits her story she gets all her preposition phrases right. She hates it when you make her correct them. We should probably head back to join the others. I don't think the council would like us just barging in and if they summon us they will first look there. If they try to leave us in the dark then we'll go looking for info." Grinning like an idiot he heads back to HQ with Stock and Dorbin. ----------------------- Perception 8 (I think this article is about the drow, nope never mind, it's about some sort of elven dark ale.)
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 d20+8=26 ; d20-1=3 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 5:38:47 PM
Bartomus stayed back as a few went out to see what the commotion was. He looked up and saw Tanglefoot and smiled only to realize that Tanglefoot had not ability to smile at all. When he heard lizardman start slandering the arrival of the drow, he looked a bit confused.
"Ah now Tanglefoot, we just have to wait and see what it's all about. Can't be all that bad, as the Float has the ability to trade with so many folk. What has you so worked up?" Bartomus asked in a bit of a kidding manner. He realized rather quickly that there was something here he didn't understand and something that a few of the others about the room did. He went silent and just listened as Stohp and Carter tried to calm the lizardman down a bit. Micah seemed to have a better impact upon Tanglefoot, but Bartomus just listened. A long-standing feud rarely resolved itself without a lot of effort, and it was obvious that Tanglewood didn't want to spend any time in such an effort.
He looked about and realized that the others had been gone a lot longer than he expected. "Hey, did the others actually say where they were going? I thought they were just heading out and about the square here?"
[i]Sense motive 26; Diplomacy - 3
Sid(Andrew) HP: 42/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 6; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20+13=28 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 7:24:46 PM
Sid slows as he sees Tanglefoot, but when Stock and Dorbin run off he goes with them. He waves to the Ambassador bids him a good day in Draconic.
At the Archives Sid helps look over the information and takes notes, particularly the names of the Houses and sketches of the maps.
"You know when I first came to the Float I was excited about the prospect of meeting Drow, but with getting the Arrow up and running that adventure seemed to go so far off." He grins at his compatriots, "This could be some real fun!"
DM Robert - "Wonder what they are here for, maybe they want to make amends." Wednesday March 11th, 2020 8:17:00 PM
Carver finds out information from Tanglefoot and tries to calm him down.
Stohp doesn't seem to have much sympathy for Tanglefoot, considering it a big feuding mess.
Stock digs the archives and finds some information.
Dorbin helps Stock.
Micah is being very reserved but offers Tanglefoot some tea as he queries about an official status.
Zanderallen is glad for the help Stock and Dorbin provide.
Bartomus wants to take a wait and see approach.
Sid thinks this could be fun.
__________________
As Sid specified some more information and did a decent perception roll, he is able to discover the ruling houses of It-lal: House Mylyl whose matriarch is Lady Yasume, House Bralfah whose matriarch is Lady Larvanya, and House Bancurpi led by Lady Athena. Unfortunately he is not able to find out much other information.
With that the trio head back to the HQ.
Meanwhile back at the HQ. Tanglefoot demurs when queried about an official status. Bartomus intuits that the young Lizardfolk is upset but has no real conviction. Pressed on the matter (by your multiple diplomacy rolls) he admits, "Well honestly it's a bit of a programmed response, you might say instinctual. It's not like we've seen any Drow in the forest in who knows how long. All I know are the stories told around the campfires at night to keep the young scared. Honestly I think those stories only continue because the dragons have been gone for a decade and the forest kept becoming more deadly. It was something to take our minds off the threat of the forest and at the same time remind us of our empire long ago." Those that have known Tanglefoot notice that he is doing a remarkable job speaking Common these days.
As the others return to the HQ they see a young man dressed in finery about the knock at the door. He turns to Zanderallen, Stock, Sid, and Dorbin. He preens himself and stands up straight. Then in a loud and self important tone says, "Oh I was about to knock. I've been sent to request the Silver Shields attend the High Council of the Float. Would you be able to find the others?"
Those inside may make a Perception 10 check to hear loud talking at the door.
He hands presents an envelope to whomever takes it. Again in his self important way, he then says, "I was told to await your reply."
The envelope says "To the Silver Shields" It is sealed with a wax imprint of the Float's coat of arms. Inside is a hastily penned missive.
Dear Silver Shields, I'm afraid that the High Council of the Float may have to call upon your services again. But you have excelled in these sort of excursions in the past.
it is signed, Lord Jonas Yeager
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character d20+9=16 ; d20+17=30 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 9:46:10 PM
Still talking with Tanglefoot, Carver hears something going on just outside, but then he recognizes the other half of the conversation. From behind Tanglefoot, he indicates the door, but will keep talking to the lizardman, reassuring him. "You may not know this, but those wars Stohp was talking about, my Great Great Aunt was one of the War Leaders long ago. And now look, not only am I not among other Centaurs, I'm in a group with a couple of Minotaurs. I don't hold an animosity over it, even though I was raised on the ancient war stories." Carver hopes the personal story settles him down.... Diplomacy 30
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 d20+12=21 ; Thursday March 12th, 2020 12:17:20 AM
Bartomus headed to the door as there was talking outside. "Let me see who is there now, it seems that everything is getting a bit exciting out on the float.
He opened the door and listened to the conversation out front where the other Shields had returned a court messenger stood awaiting a response. Bartomus turned back to the others inside and waited for a moment to catch their attention. "I think you are all going to want to hear this, maybe Tanglewood too.".
Perception check inside 21
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 Thursday March 12th, 2020 5:09:52 AM "Well I guess the Drow concern us after all. Geez, we're turning into ambassadors aren't we?" She pauses at the idea. "Hrm, that might actually be interesting. Well lets see what they want."
Stock (JonM) HP: 96/96; AC: 25/22/16; Per: +15; Surv: +12; SM: +8 Thursday March 12th, 2020 9:57:25 AM "HA! Ambassadors! Maybe you guys can be ambassadors. Admittedly it is not my strong point though."
To the courier he says, "Yeah, you can tell Lord Yeager we'll be there."
"We had some success in the archives..." He proceeds to give a mostly partially accurate overview of the documents that the researchers found.
Micah (John) HP: 80/80 AC: 25/12/25 CMD:17 (Swim 30) Thursday March 12th, 2020 10:13:35 AM
Once Micah realizes what the commotion at the door is, he cannot help but smile at the other's reaction and does not disagree with Stock's hasty acceptance.
As he continues to engage Tanglefoot, he finds his mind wandering to thoughts of a likely new adventure. He finally concludes that it's time to pick up the tongs again, as the saying goes after one gets burned at the forge.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] d20+19=23 ; d20=16 ; Thursday March 12th, 2020 12:26:39 PM
Dorbin tries to cover for Stock's gruffness. While he doesn't know the exact proper formalities of dealing with diplomats, he has seen and heard enough from living here his entire life to attempt to respond properly (Knowledge, local, float: 23; Diplomacy (untrained): 16). He straightens up himself and replies, "Yes, indeed, please inform the Lord that we will arrive directly."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Thursday March 12th, 2020 4:22:03 PM
Zanderallen smiles as Dorbin imitates the formal gestures he's seen other Shields make over the time they'd been together. He says nothing but inclines his head to the messenger and takes the notes from him. He reads it and listens to the others before making a reply, "That was very good Dorbin, the delivery was notable. However there is more to diplomacy than just form and acquiescence. You have to judge what message you wish to deliver. We will arrive directly or right away conveys you are at the beck and call of the sender, a servant. Something that we are not. But we are friends of the council and we've had reason to prepare ourselves for the possibility, so maybe something like this." He turns to the puffed up messenger and stares him down, "Inform the council that we will finish our preparations and join them as soon as we are able. Now off you go." He turns back to Dorbin as he walks inside, completely ignoring the messenger, "See that message informs the council that we respect your time and will come straight away but we consider ourselves equal in that we will not drop everything and come running. And Stock you are an effective ambassador, just not with words. The strength of the ambassador's party holds a lot of weight in many cultures. Your mere presence standing with us adds much weight to our words." He returns to his quarters and fully gears up, not knowing what to expect and not quite trusting the drow. He does activate the glammer on his armor to have it take the appearance of chain mail.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 42/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 6; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Thursday March 12th, 2020 8:21:34 PM
Sid says, "I vote Micah to be the Ambassador! That stern, righteous, yet lovably pragmatic aesthetic of his wins everyone."
DM Robert - "Hrm, that might actually be interesting. Well lets see what they want." Thursday March 12th, 2020 9:11:07 PM
Carver attempts to placate Tanglefoot.
Bartomus opens the door and indicates the other Shields should listen in on what's going on.
Stohp is ready to go see what the Drow want.
Stock agrees to the meeting and shares with the other Shields what they learned in the newspaper archive.
Micah is ready for a new challenge to forge his inner strength.
Dorbin sets out to make an impression with the court functionary.
Zanderallen praises Dorbin and attempts to put the minor official in his place. He makes ready to attend the Council.
Sid votes for Micah to be the spokesperson. __________________
Eventually the party will be summoned to appear before the city council. Presiding at the Council is Lord Belkior the halfling Paragon. Belkior is the high priest of Alemi on the Gold Level. A former adventurer with the Crimson Shields of Hope, and teammate of Syrdeth Redbow. Unlike Syrdeth, he’s famous on the Float, although nearly everyone has forgotten his adventuring past. Lord Jonas Yeager is also present. He is an average looking may perhaps 50, with white hair. He is dressed well and obviously likes to eat well. He is earnest in his desire for the Float to become a new metropolis hub. Also there is Lady Bethany Crowl, a strikingly beautiful woman in her 30’s. She has long black hair but impressively styled into a mass on top of her head. She is adorned with fine jewelry. She is shrewd and calculating. She wants to see the Float prosper, but she wants to prosper as well. While you know there are more lords than that on the council it appears these three are currently something of an executive council.
Lord Belkior greets you when you enter. "Good day Silver Shields. I trust things have been going well for you?" He will politely wait for an answer but is not really expecting anything beyond a head nod. "Allow me to introduce the Lady Yasume of It-lal."
Lady Yasume you know to be the House Mylyl Matriarch. She is a young drow woman quite lovely and shorter than you would expect. You are not sure where House Mylyl stands in the hierarchy of the Drow city. Knowledge Religion 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { You recognize the holy symbol of Ffloy} She has on intricate full plate of a bluish metal. You note she has a shield and flail. Also with her are 3 male drow. They dressed in chain shirts over dark leathers, armed with longswords and a strange looking crossbow. Knowledge Engineering 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {it appears they have repeating crossbows} Lady Yasume bows to you.
Lord Yeager says, "Lady Yasume has returned to the Float to ask a favor of us."
The Lady Yasume smiles wainly. "At one time the city of It-lal had their own such guardians, as the Shields are to the Float. However, time and circumstance has caused each member of that group to go their separate ways, off on more adventures somewhere in the Wold. Thus I have come to the Float to try and re-establish our trade agreement and to get some hearty aid. Many years ago we thought to enter a trade agreement with your fare city but alas we had some issues with production and some other minor matters that needed attending before we could produce goods in the quantity we first proposed."
Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear Lady Crowl give a slight grunt and whisper "Yes, what's 10 years time to someone that lives hundreds?"}
Lady Yasume appears not to have noticed anything. "It seems something has been forcing the kobolds up from their homes in the mines and thus they are ‘infesting’ It-lal. We don’t have the facilities to support so many refugee koblods."
One of the Drow warriors behind her mutters in Undercommon Highlight to display spoiler: {"Let alone feed the rodents."}
Lady Yasume's eyebrows arch upward and you can see her shift slightly to glare out of the corner of her eye at the Drow male. She continues without pausing. " Also there appears to be someone or something looting various old sections of the city."
She stops her presentation awaiting any questions you may have. Questions may also be asked of the Float council members.
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character d20+7=13 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+17=33 ; Thursday March 12th, 2020 9:51:20 PM
Carver just nods when asked if things are going well... He doesn't recognize the holy symbol, but he does recognize the repeating crossbows the males are carrying. His eyebrow does raise as Lady Crowl whispers a comment. The language one of the male uses to mutter in, is similar to some he knows, so Carver tries to decipher it with Linguistics (rolled 22) "One of the Iron Dragons was leading a tribe of Kobolds at their retirement, is this the same tribe or are they a different tribe with different attitudes. I don't see any Dragons, and I mean Consortium Dragons, associating with anyone evil. Do you want some sort of brokered deal, or do you want to find out why they are infesting your city and try to stop whatever it is?" Carver tries to be diplomatic about it as he asks the questions.... (diplomacy 33)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 d20+14=19 ; Friday March 13th, 2020 6:11:19 AM
Stohp doesn't quite catch what is muttered by either person (perception 19). She agrees and expands on Carver's point. "If something is driving them out of their mines then it feels like they're just a symptom of a larger problem. Sooner or later whatever is in the mines is likely to cause more trouble. Have you been able to communicate with and negotiate with the kobolds? If not I speak Draconic, which I believe is their most common tongue."
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 d20+12=15 ; d20+5=18 ; Friday March 13th, 2020 10:23:51 AM
He quickly suited back up in the court attire he had worn to the trial a few months ago. It seemed such a splurge for a Taur from the plains, but he did find it comforting to at least be somewhat on par with those in the upper level of the Float. Plus, his tailer loved seeing it at the trial and there did seem to be a few more taurs sporting fancy kilts.
He followed along and walked into the hall with its rich marble floors, finest woods and gilded metal accented furniture, and tapestries. He focused his attention on the members of the Council and gave a deep bow to the Paragon, then bows to his colleagues. He relaxed a bit knowing it was the Paragon that was leading things. He simply smiled and nodded at the man's rheotorical question and listened.
He was struck by the drow delegation as they seemed to be at ease within the Float, something he had to learn when he first arrived. It dawned him that maybe, they were just as nervous as he was, only better hiding it. He returned Lady Yasume's bow with one of his own figuring that it didn't hurt. He listened with interest her talking about the earlier agreements and the challenges of production. As a craftsman, he could relate as sometimes things didn't go the way you planned. In his case, it was of late lack of time, and he chuckled silently in his mind to himself.
"Lord Paragon, me Lords and Ladies," he remembered the way the lawyer had addressed the court at the trial and used that as a basis for his performance following up on Carver's questions. "I take it that helping Lady Yasume and her folk could help all of us here on the Float, right? Also seems that the kobolds, not sure if I've met a kobold but um, well, anyway, also need help as Carver said. Are we to help both groups or just Lady Yasume's folk? Should be some way to help both the folk and the Float? Also, kinda sounds like the kobolds are being treated a bit like the some were treating the ratfolk. Live and let live I think is a bit better approach."
He stopped and realized that he probably had said a bit too much there at the last.
Perception 15; Perform 18
Stock (JonM) HP: 96/96; AC: 25/22/16; Per: +15; Surv: +12; SM: +8 d20+15=22 ; Friday March 13th, 2020 10:28:33 AM
Stock snorts loudly at Lady Bethany's comment. He then refocuses and listens to the Matriarch's proposal. [b]"Excuse me Ma'am. I have some questions: 1. I can understand not having the resources to deal with refugees but you talk of these kobolds as if they are not intelligent beings. Helping to manage a refugee crisis is not really our strong point. Although it is possible that we could help connect the kobolds to another community. 2. I agree with Stohp on this one. What do the kobolds say? 3. Is there a fast way to get to your city? I'm pretty sure you didn't come over land. 4. How will we be received? [i]======== Perception 22 vs DC20
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] Friday March 13th, 2020 12:42:22 PM
Dorbin listens to Zanderallen's suggestions and the quickly pulls out his journal and makes a few notes so he doesn't forget them.
When there is a break in the conversation, Dorbin clears his throat and speaks up to the council members. He says, "What position does the Float take in this matter? This group is coming to seek aid from the Float? Or from the Silver Shields?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+8=11 ; d20+5=9 ; Friday March 13th, 2020 4:21:14 PM
Zanderallen observes the proceedings, thinking it over before making any reply. He replies briefly to Lord Belkior, "Quite well, thank you my lord." He bows politely to Lady Yasume, wondering why she personally would be coming. Regardless of the status of her house, Lady Yasume was a matriarch and that would make her one of the three most powerful citizens of It-tal. Either she was making a play here or the city was in desperate straights. Most likely some of both. He managed to resist the urge to scan her heart for evil intent, one it was impolite in and two she would probably realize what he was doing. But her attitude rubbed him the wrong way.
When Lady Yasume finishes answering his friends questions he asks, "Lady Yasume, would you mind stepping out momentarily, there are some things of a confidential matter that we must discuss with the council before we would be able to leave on such an expedition. I hope you'll understand." When she and her guard have left, if his request is not denied, he asks the council, "Have we considered whether this request is legitimate? I'm all for helping those in need, but the drow and kobolds? Usually they're the ones causing the problems. If my understanding is wrong please enlighten me but I am wary of travelling to their city. It could be a trap." --------------------------------------- Know(Rel) 11 Perception 9
Micah (John) HP: 80/80 AC: 25/12/25 CMD:17 (Swim 30) d20+5=17 ; d20+18=22 ; Saturday March 14th, 2020 10:26:44 AM
When Micah realizes they are about to be before a foreign delegation he casts comprehend languages on himself to catch anything that may pass between them.
He does not learn much from the magical ability, but the one warrior's comment does reveal some about their character.
Focusing on the retinue, Micah feels he missed something when the other Shields start responding. "I apologize for what may be too simple a question", he addresses the entire assembly, "but what exactly is being proposed? You mention certain difficulties you are experiencing and propose potential advantages to the Float, but perhaps I missed any definitive details of what is to be done and what mutual benefits may be derived from our involvement."
====== Automatically make the religion check. Fail the perception check. Diplomacy 22
DM Robert - " Sooner or later whatever is in the mines is likely to cause more trouble." Saturday March 14th, 2020 10:40:44 AM OOC I'm going to use the integrated turn style we've used before...
Carver thinks the Drow said something about food and rodents. Diplomatically he asks... "One of the Iron Dragons was leading a tribe of Kobolds at their retirement, is this the same tribe or are they a different tribe with different attitudes. I don't see any Dragons, and I mean Consortium Dragons, associating with anyone evil."
Lady Yasume replies. "I'm not sure who these iron dragons are. We have not seen dragons of any color in the mountains."It's like when you go to Europe on a trip and they find out you're from Texas or someplace and say they have a friend in Texas do you know him? Heroe's of the Wold don't necessarily get announced everywhere in the Wold. Koblods are not the same clan the Wold over.
Carver follows up with "Do you want some sort of brokered deal, or do you want to find out why they are infesting your city and try to stop whatever it is?"
Lady Yasume tilts her head for a minute as if trying to interpret what was said. "We cannot handle the amount of kobolds that have come through the portal. There are simply too many. I believe from what you are asking, that yes, we need whatever is driving them upward taken care of."
Stohp speaks "If something is driving them out of their mines then it feels like they're just a symptom of a larger problem. Sooner or later whatever is in the mines is likely to cause more trouble. Have you been able to communicate with and negotiate with the kobolds? If not I speak Draconic, which I believe is their most common tongue."
Lady Yasume nods. "We have attempted to speak with them, but how does one reason with hundreds of screaming mouths demanding food when there is nothing in the larder to offer them?"
Bartomus addresses the council, "Lord Paragon, me Lords and Ladies, I take it that helping Lady Yasume and her folk could help all of us here on the Float, right? Also seems that the kobolds, not sure if I've met a kobold but um, well, anyway, also need help as Carver said. Are we to help both groups or just Lady Yasume's folk? Should be some way to help both the folk and the Float? Also, kinda sounds like the kobolds are being treated a bit like the some were treating the ratfolk. Live and let live I think is a bit better approach."
Lord Yeager speaks up, "I believe this is a direct commission of Lady Yasume. She has asked for hearty adventurer types to aid her city in dealing with whatever is causing the kobold problem. We already had, um have, a trade agreement with them, we just didn't have a means of transportation. Lady Yasume says they have repaired the portal on their end and now we can start trade in earnest."
Lady Yasume nods her head. "Indeed we offer each of you one of these, or a minor item of equal value for your services." She holds up a clear spindle stone. Spellcraft 25 or Knowledge Arcane 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { this is an Ioun stone, the clear spindle sustains the user without food or water. It's a minor wondrous item worth 4000gp see the chart on page 497 for other options at the 4000gp level.}
Stock interjects up, " I can understand not having the resources to deal with refugees but you talk of these kobolds as if they are not intelligent beings. Helping to manage a refugee crisis is not really our strong point. Although it is possible that we could help connect the kobolds to another community."[i]
Lady Crowl quickly breaks in "Which is not to say we could house them hear at the Float. Indeed our space is even tighter than fair It-lal's I'm sure."
Stock queries [i]"What do the kobolds say?
Lady Yasume replies "I"m not sure what you mean by what do the kobolds say. They say they need food and had to abandon their homes because of invaders."
Stock continues "Is there a fast way to get to your city? I'm pretty sure you didn't come over land."
Lady Yasume responds, "Yes we used the Magic Portals. There are five fixed archways in the gateway plaza of It-lal. Each gateway has a matched set of magic items which form the other end of the gateway. All are currently not active. The two parts of the gateway items consist of a Key stone (or cap stone) and a key (the first one found was in the shape of an ornamental dagger and was called the dagger-key). To activate the gateway requires an intricate magic circle drawn on wall which defines the gateway then placing the keystone at the top position and inserting the dagger-key. A magical portal will form between the new magic circle and the matching archway in gateway Plaza of It-lal. If the dagger-key or keystone is removed from the magic circle pattern the magic portal will close. We have two active Gateways, the Portal to The Float and the deep caves below the city."
Stock follows up " How will we be received?
Lady Yasume cocks her head to the side again. "I'm not sure I understand your meaning. We are a relatively small community. We no longer have experienced people versed in handling a variety of dangers inherent in exploring strange and dangerous places."
Dorbin asks "What position does the Float take in this matter? This group is coming to seek aid from the Float? Or from the Silver Shields?"
Paragon Lord Belkior replies, "Actually I believe both. Lady Yasume is conducting initial trade in goods for bulk foodstuffs, though I'm not sure how quickly that can be arraigned. And then I believe she is hiring your services."
OOC taking Micah out of turn because of Zanderallen's request.
Micah jumps in,"I apologize for what may be too simple a question", he addresses the entire assembly, "but what exactly is being proposed? You mention certain difficulties you are experiencing and propose potential advantages to the Float, but perhaps I missed any definitive details of what is to be done and what mutual benefits may be derived from our involvement."
Lady Yasume replies, "We propose to hire you adventurers to fix the problem driving the kobolds into our city. I've already indicated the payment we can offer. In addition I presume that whatever you find in the caves below would fall into the category of spoils of war. In turn we will then be able to resume our formerly agreed upon trade initiative with the Float. We have some very fine weavers and patterns now and can produce abundant fine garments." She nods to a warrior that then opens a crate next to him. He holds up some fine garments which appear to be made of silk. Perception 20 and Appraise 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {actually it's spider silk.}. "In addition, several of our people are excellent in the crafting of small magic items. We also used to trade with the kobold mines and have some skills in metal crafting. These then would be the bulk of goods we would trade on our end."
Zanderallen says"Lady Yasume, would you mind stepping out momentarily, there are some things of a confidential matter that we must discuss with the council before we would be able to leave on such an expedition. I hope you'll understand." When she and her guard have left, if his request is not denied, he asks the council, "Have we considered whether this request is legitimate? I'm all for helping those in need, but the drow and kobolds? Usually they're the ones causing the problems. If my understanding is wrong please enlighten me but I am wary of travelling to their city. It could be a trap."
Paragon Lord Belkior replies, "Oh my you are a suspicious lot." He smiles and replies, "Many years ago I and the other Crimson Shields visited their city. At the time they still had some members of an adventuring group called the Shadow Guardians. It-lal is the home of surface Drow. While it is true the Drow of the Wold are a religious and pious race and they have long worshiped Jancassis, their females leading and forming the pinnacle of society. Males are little more than slaves. Jancassis grants these her favored people many benefits and the use of other races and monsters such as the drider. These sub-terrain elves are just like the Monster manual describes. HOWEVER, Surface Drow are changed. These group of Drow has fought their way upward away from their dark cousins and into the light. They have broken with tradition and been blessed by Alemi and now worship any god they wish." He pauses and then continues, " Surface Drow are kind but brooding, they are trying to overcome millennia of being forced underground and denying the part of themselves that wished to see the sun--that part that wished to worship free. Now that they are free they are loyal and fierce defenders of their friendships and their homes. They are focused and stoic and often have trouble appreciating humor. Their art is powerful but sad and their music touches the soul and makes you weep. They are a sad people who are learning happiness, and it is taking them a long time. However as the stretch into the future and into the light many things have happened to give their people hope. Males have gained places of authority and are no longer considered second class citizens. They have begun to worship all Gods, not just the goddess of revenge, casting aside their hunger to get even with those who live in the light, and most of all they have rid themselves of their evil intents and hearts. Becoming a varied people with the capacity of individuals to do great good or great harm as they choose."
Is there anything further you would like to ask or request of the council? Are there further questions of the Drow? Are there any preparations you would like to make now that you know some more facts?
Sid stays quiet.
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character Saturday March 14th, 2020 5:23:26 PM "I'm good to go, but it's got to be a majority decision I guess. So my vote is yes, I guess the Iron Dragon's aren't as famous as I'd expect, even among the Drow. But I can't turn down a plea for help under most circumstances, and this one doesn't fall into one that I could turn down." Carver stands back and lets the others decide, he knows it's not his decision alone.
Micah listens to the Matriarch's replies. Coupled with the Paragon's assurances he is inclined to accept the commission, despite the fact he does not recognize what the offered reward is.
when alone he tells the other Shields, "I am awaiting some supplies from the Catacombs. Other than that, it should not take long to provision."
Spellcraft 17 vs 25 Perception 10 vs 20
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 Sunday March 15th, 2020 6:17:59 PM
Stohp frowns at the complete lack of information as to what they would be facing. You'd think the Kobolds would have a leader of some sort that could have explained the threat from below but no matter. They'll just have to go there and investigate on their own..
Stock (JonM) HP: 96/96; AC: 25/22/16; Per: +15; Surv: +12; SM: +8 Monday March 16th, 2020 9:34:06 AM "Yeah, I'm in. It wasn't really a question for me anyway. I feel like I need to get out of HQ. By the way, what's that rock that she is saying is our reward? Anything I'd like?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Monday March 16th, 2020 10:48:57 AM "Ok, sure, but I think we need to stalk up on a lot of healing potions this time, and a few other things that could help us in the deep and dark underground, right?" He was talking aloud and sort of asking questions as he continued. "Like maybe some light sources, and might be nice to have a few things that can clear a room with a good throw...oh and some good bullets for the sling and yea, all of those things."
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character Monday March 16th, 2020 11:35:27 AM "I can usually cast Dancing Lights, it might take me a few tries, but it only lasts while I concentrate on it. I also own a pebble with a continual flame on it. Maybe the Catacombs has some dead Ioun Stones laying around they can sell us. We can get some scrolls and make personal torches. Just some suggestions...." Carver adds...
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] d20+22=39 ; d20+9=13 ; Monday March 16th, 2020 12:23:51 PM
When the others ask about the stone, Dorbin whispers, "It is a magical ioun stone. They are quite nice and powerful."
He looks around at the others and then says, "It sounds like we are decided. But perhaps we should bring a book or two about the Iron Dragons to leave with this town so they can learn more about them..."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+5=10 ; d20+5=21 ; Monday March 16th, 2020 4:04:07 PM "Thank you for the explanation Paragon Belkior, maybe recent circumstances have made me take a second look at things. I am also in favor of helping them. I am ready to go as soon as travel can be arranged. A commission and request for help is hard to turn down. I guess we will have to talk to the kobolds ourselves to learn more." Zanderallen has no further questions. He does take a moment to admire the spider silk garment as it is displayed. -------------------- Spellcraft: 10 Perception: 21
DM Robert - "A commission and request for help is hard to turn down." Monday March 16th, 2020 8:17:08 PM
Carver is willing to go to It-lal and chimes in again about maybe casting dancing lights but also having a continual flame rock.
Micah seems willing to go, but is waiting on some supplies.
Stohp is not happy that the Drow don't seem to have a lot of information.
Stock is raring to go.
Bartomus thinks the party may need to stock up on some potions and things. can you slink alchemist fire?
Dorbin identifies the rocks as precious Ioun Stones, these would allow you to not have to eat or drink.
Zanderallen is okay to go.
Sid is still strangely silent. ________________
Lady Yasume nods her thanks. "I'm afraid we have not been able to find out much from the kobolds. We don't know much of their language and they don't know much of ours. Though we do share the Common Tongue. They only talk of invaders that are mean and should be nice since they are cousins, and of course something scary in the deep tunnel where many have just disappeared."
Lord Belkior stands and claps his hands. "Wonderful, I'm sure the Silver Shields will solve your problem."
Lady Yasume replies. "Many are the problems we have. The most immediate to try and quell the stomachs of so many koblods that have appeared on our doorsteps."
Lord Yeager then says, "I believe you indicated that there are nearly 300 of these creatures. That would be a lot of food to gather." Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Belkior eyes you and archs his eyebrows then rolls his eyes over to Yeager then back to you. He seems to be trying to tell you something."}
Lord Belkior suggests, "Perhaps we could see if our local temples have any scrolls of Create Food and Water?" Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice Yeager make a slight frown at Belkior's comment.}
Knowledge local 15 (may use untrained if you are a native to the Float) Highlight to display spoiler: {You are fairly certain that they temples would have some scrolls. In fact you're pretty sure that the Council itself may have stock-piled such scrolls to be used in case of emergency if the Float needed to stave off starvation for whatever reason.}
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character d20+9=10 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+17=33 ; Monday March 16th, 2020 8:47:23 PM
Carver misses Yeager's attempt at signaling, but catches his reaction to Belkior's comment about the scrolls and the Temples possibility of having some to spare, but not being a native he has no clue why Yeager would frown at the suggestion, to Carver it sounds like a brilliant idea. "I need to head to the Catacombs again, see if I can do something about our light problem. Why doesn't someone go to the Temples and see if they can help with the food supply. We can meet back at HQ to let people know we'll be gone for a while. And then we head off with this nice Lady and her entourage back to her City and see if we can fix her troubles...." Carver tries to make it sound like it'll be easy peasy with Diplomacy(33)
Micah (John) HP: 80/80 AC: 25/12/25 CMD:17 (Swim 30) d20+4=23 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=22 ; Monday March 16th, 2020 9:45:45 PM
Micah notes the byplay between Yeager and Belkior and makes a point to note the other Shields caught it.
At the mention of Create Food and Water spell, he does some quick calculations. A priest of his amount of faith could possible summon food for slightly more than two dozen with a single casting, but that would only be enough for one day. To Micah, that does not seem very sustainable, but he keeps his silence until they are away from the council.
++++++++++++ Perception 23 vs 15 Perception 22 vs 15 Knowledge local vs 15
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 d20+14=26 ; d20+14=30 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 10:55:01 AM "Relatives you say? That could mean a lot of things. If they speak Draconic then I should be able to get more information out of them. We'll just have to go there and see." She notes the interplay between the two lords but doesn't comment on it.
Stock (JonM) HP: 96/96; AC: 25/22/16; Per: +15; Surv: +12; SM: +8 d20+3=9 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 11:10:54 AM
Stock stares at the interplay between Lords Yeager and Belkior and shakes his head in frustration. "Would you two stop making eyes at each other and just talk plainly. If you are willing to send us into a dangerous situation you should be willing to just say to each other what is on your minds."
He stares at the two Lords and is willing to wait out their manners if need be.
== Autopass DC15 Perception checks Knowledge Local 9 vs DC15 Yeah, Stock doesn't have time for diplomacy.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] d20+19=36 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 12:04:04 PM
Dorbin again gasps at Stock's reaction to the lords. He runs over to stand between Stock and the lords and stammers, "W..w...what he means to say is..."
"Well, I mean... perhaps he is wondering if the Float itself..."
"I mean, well, the council surely has some of those scrolls that might be useful, and my friend Stock here was simply wondering if some might be made available to help these good creatures."
OOC: Knowledge, local: 36
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 d20+12=23 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+7=18 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 4:37:19 PM
He caught in his throat a hearty chuckle as Stock flatly called out the lords of the Council and Dorbin tried to smooth things over quickly.
"So we want to make sure we can help the Good Lady and the hungry kobolds, because if not, then it's likely both the Lady's people and the kobolds would probably just come here to the Float," Bartomus started as he watched the interaction between the Paragon and the Shields and Lord Yeager.
He continued as his mind processed a few things and as he watched Micah's face. "I mean we could take a lot of those scrolls, seems a cheap way to transport food from the Float, but I bet that in order to help the Good Lady with the influx of kobold refugees, the Float could also gather foodstuffs to send through the portal for distribution. Maybe even the Council could pay folks to go along and help with that distribution. Seems like a great place for some of the charity from the upper levels of the Float for sure. Otherwise, we might need a lot of those gardens and such converted to various types of refugee camps.
He smiled with a broad grin and looked right at Lord Yeager and then nodded toward both the Paragon and Lady Yeager. "Oh and we could let the Float know about all of that with the news and Pepper, I mean she would love to run an article I am almost certain on who was the most generous of the Lords and Ladies of the Council and the Float's Gold Level. Would be an inspirational piece for sure."
Perception 23; 32; Know Local 18
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+5=23 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+1=17 ; d20+19=27 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 5:00:49 PM
It takes the sum total of Zanderallen's self control to keep a poker face at the antics of his companions. He decides to step in before things get completely out of control, "Let's be smart about all this, no need to go rushing off without thinking this through. Lady Yasume, we will make some last minute preparations here and then go with you back to It-tal to see if we can get to the bottom of whatever is driving out the kobolds and allow them to leave your city and return to their homes. As to the food problem, the people of the Float are quite separated from goods that we can't make ourselves. If it were known that the drow of It-tal were facing a food crisis and were asking for donations and to trade for bulk foodstuffs at the customs house there could be quite the turnout. Plus you would make connections with many merchants and people of the Float for future trade. I am well known to one of the most read papers on the float, I'm sure we can get the word out if you have a minute to come meet with one of their reporters." If she is agreeable to the plan Zander will take her to meet Pepper, who he suspects is waiting outside the council chamber to get the latest scoop, and ask the Bugle to run an emergency print asking for aid and willingness to trade with the drow. ----------------------- Perception 23, 25 Know(local) 17 Diplomacy 27
Sid(Andrew) HP: 42/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 6; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Tuesday March 17th, 2020 6:26:08 PM
Sid stays quiet and in the background knowing finally that his wayward tongue can make for awkward conversation and just keeps his eyes and ears open.
((Egads everyone, sorry. Between now working at home and having to find both TP and potatoes this just slipped me by. I Remember what day it is now though.))
DM Robert - "Would you two stop making eyes at each other and just talk plainly." Tuesday March 17th, 2020 8:55:43 PM
Carver diplomactically brings up collecting some scrolls of create food and water.
Micah wonders how much good those scrolls would do, he could only create food and water for about 24 people Though really they are small, it would probably feed 48
Stohp is ready to talk to the kobolds.
Stock isn't diplomatic at all and calls out the lords on the council.
Dorbin is aghast and tries to downplay Stock's words. HE brings up the fact that the Float may have some stockpiled scrolls.
Bartomus takes it a step further and implies some blackmail if the Council doesn't pony up some scrolls and for real food stuff.
Zanderallen tries to make a diplomatic effort to avoid any rift his companions have created. He further implies that perhaps an appeal to the people of the Float would garner some results as well.
Sid watches the interplay, amazed that he has not thrown in his two cents to the already ascew circumstances. ________________
Okay that was a fun interplay and exchange on your part. Hero point to everyone for calling out the council, suggesting blackmail, and attempts to smooth things over.
If looks could burn holes in things, then the look Lord Yeager gives Stock, Bartomus, and Paragon Belkior would call for some new tailoring. Lady Crowl seems bemused by it all. Paragon Belkior seems smugly happy.
"Very good. I believe we can assist. I will have the scrolls delivered to your HeadQuarters shortly." Belkior says.
Lady Crowl sense the direction of the scales. "I will send word to the temples if any of you would care to see what they can offer."
Lord Yeager grunts, "I'm sure the Weekly Bugle can summon the samaritan in the residents of the Float."
Lady Yasume turns to Zanderallen. "I would be pleased to accompany you to see your friend."
Leaving the council Zanderallen leads the Drow party and quickly finds Pepper near the Council Hall entrance. Introductions are made and soon Pepper and Lady Yasume are talking. Pepper turns to Zanderallen. "This is great, I think I can get a Broadsheet out today. We could get a collection started and have something tomorrow morning." She gives him a hug and dashes off. The three guards eye Zander as if trying to appraise them. You note that they left the trade goods behind in the council chamber. Lady Yasume turns to Zander (and anyone else with him) "Would it be best to leave now, this evening or tomorrow morning?" You realize that is not yet lunchtime today.
Do you... leave now.... show the Drow around.... have them wait in a tavern .... have them come back tomorrow.... IS there anything you need to do....make last minute purchases.... appeal to your 'patrons' Happy - Owner of the Giggling Ghost, tavern; Grokk Greatbelly, Minotaur - Owner of The Fatted Calf, tavern/Inn; Brassy McGurk - Owner of the Brass Toad, tavern/inn (for some grub to take)... go around to the various temples to ask for some charity scrolls...
After a few hours 10 scrolls of Create Food and Water caster level 5 are delivered from the Council to your headquarters.
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character d20+17=31 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 10:13:36 PM "My Lady, it might be best for us if you stayed the night, giving us time to gather the supplies and materials we might need to assist you. That way, when the gate opens, you exit and alert the Guard that are certainly stationed there, vouching for our arrival. Then it might be best for you, to see if you can make trade arrangements during the rest of today and then go back tonight. It will provide more safety for you, being on familiar territory, you know your protections there best. You can then meet us in the morning as we arrive. I believe either will work just as well for us, it all depends on how safe or threatened you might feel. It will not insult our honor if you feel safer at home than here on the Float. After a quick trip to the provisionor we use for our personal gear, I am willing to act as an escort around the Float if you with." Carver still trying to be diplomatic and all nicey nicey.
31 Diplomacy
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Wednesday March 18th, 2020 10:16:47 AM
Bartomus returned the smile of the Paragon as the discussions of the Council shifted to helping the drow and the kobolds. He simply grinned at Lord Yeager and gave a nod in acknowledgment to his glare. He also nodded in support of Lady Crowl's suggestion to ask the temples.
As they left the Council Chambers and headed out to the reception room, he followed behind Zander, Lady Yasume and a couple of the others. "So, it's the paper that knows Zander well, I see, the paper, not the Pepper," his voice is loud enough for Zander to hear it as he catches sight of Pepper waiting for her hero and chuckles at her interactions with Zander.
"I agree with Carver's suggestion that we leave tomorrow. I think we are going to need to do a bunch of little things before we head out. There are inns that could be more appropriate to a lady of your rank and station in this area, or, we could offer you repose in the very humble settings of our headquarters, but it's a simple place." He was a bit uncertain about whether their headquarters would be deemed adequate, but felt not offering it would be rather rude.
"I gotta get a few things in the catacombs too, then look over my gear to see what else I need to get." Bartomus said with some urgency.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] Wednesday March 18th, 2020 11:38:29 AM
Dorbin is amazed at Carver's ability to diplomatically speak to the drow. He pulls out his notebook and makes some notes. Then he agrees with Carver, "Yes, we should see if we can drum up a little more support. I'll run over to the library, there's a chance they could help."
Dorbin heads to the dean to see if there are any resources the library could provide to help the kobolds.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Wednesday March 18th, 2020 4:32:27 PM
Zanderallen bows to the council as they are dismissed, inwardly grinning at Lord Yeager's discomfort. Leading Lady Yasume out he give's Bart a copy of Lord Yeager's look at the taur's comment, if only it wasn't ruined by the large wink at the end. He returns Pepper's hug and noticing the drow sizing him up he gives them a huge grin and says, "I'm quite the lucky guy, aren't I?", just loud enough to make sure Pepper can hear it as she hurries off.
He nods at Carver's words, "I agree, we will head back with you first thing in the morning. There are preparations to be made before we can depart and it will also give us some time to head up some relief efforts. If you wish to join us for lunch at the Giggling Ghost we can also speak to the Happy, the owner. He should be able to assist in putting together foodstuffs for It-tal." Zander makes himself available to show the drow around town and entertain them throughout the rest of the day.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 42/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 6; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20=14 ; Wednesday March 18th, 2020 7:22:39 PM
"Second luckiest in the Float," Sid says to Z absently touching the pouch hanging around his neck. "I'll go talk to Brassy and meet you at The Ghost." If no one objects he will break off once they get to the Fence Level and pull Brassy to the back and give him the juicy dirt and expound on how his gracious magnanimity would spread the fame of him and his pub far and wide. And if that doesn't work he'll spend 1,000g to make Brassy speak to his better angels. But only if he can't convince him.
Then he will get Elly and take her to the Ghost so that she can meet the Ambassador.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 d20+14=26 ; d20+9=26 ; Wednesday March 18th, 2020 7:24:52 PM
Stohp volunteers to do a circuit of to get more donations of food or other charity. She's pretty convincing (26 diplomacy to convince others to give charitable donations)
DM Robert - "I agree with Carver's suggestion that we leave tomorrow." Wednesday March 18th, 2020 8:46:44 PM
Carver sets forth some ideas on when to travel and Float hospitality.
Bartomus agrees that leaving tomorrow would be better as he needs to pick up some things.
Dorbin is amazed at how well the party can speak. He wants to see what the library could offer to help.
Zanderallen is happy that Pepper is happy. He offers to take the Drow to the famous Giggling Ghost for lunch. By the way, it's It-lal, (i tee hyphen el ai el) I've corrected it on the map, and the Wold Wiki lists it as It-lal, no peaking yet, even though in the Wiki text is sometimes refers to itself as It'lal. And of course entertain them through the day.
Sid decides it's time to hit up some marks, err partons, to get the ol' food rucksack going.
Stohp decides to take her donations pleas to the people of the Float directly.
Micah?
Stock? ________________
The party quickly breaks up. Carver races off to the Catacombs. As does Bartomus, Not sure how your request is going to get responded to, most times you have to specifically name what you're are looking to buy and include the correct gold.
Dorbin races off to the Library. He is met by Gargamel at stooped over at the front desk again. The man still looks frumpy in his worn tunic and still has a bald pate and hair mussed out around the sides. "I don't really know what we could offer, he pauses and seems to be genuinely reflecting, "We don't have scrolls or potions of any kind here. However, it would be great opportunity to get more information for the guild from them. I commend you on so quickly gaining their confidence." He smiles at you. "If you need help exploiting any opportunities I would be happy to assist you."Really there's not much the library can offer. They are seekers and storers of knowledge.
Sid takes off to meet with Brassy. Upon hearing Sid's plea for aid, Brassy nods. "It'd be good to have some more goods in the Float. I'll have some things ready for you-all in the morning. Is 6 am good?" Sid then heads home to Elly and joins the rest at the Ghost.
Stohp figures the Merchants level might be the best place to start. She starts going around to all the merchants she can remember being on the receiving end of the extortion guild. It will take the majority of the day, but she gets a fair number of commitments. Items will be sent to the Customs House.
Zanderallen leads the host (joined by at least Sid and Elley, and perhaps Carver before the meal is done) to the Ghost. Happy is amazed to see the strangers but is becoming used to strange things going on when the Shields get involved. He makes a show of putting forth the best table and has the staff hopping to keep up the best service.
Lady Yasume is pleased to see how 'the other half lives' of course she is referring to things not Drow. She then speaks of The Slaughtered Lamb in It-lal is situated on the main road on the first level just north of the Gateway plaza. It is a quaint place with good food and beverages run by a drow couple. There's a retired bard that plays a masterful lute on the weekends, rocking the house.
At this point I'm waiting on you guys to let me know when you are ready to go to It-lal. So if you need more time to get things in order, I suggest asking questions of your Drow guests, or offering to take them to specific locations in the city.
Micah is a bit preoccupied with making plans and is not much in the way of a host. He is content to hang back with Stock.
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character d100=54 ; Wednesday March 18th, 2020 9:32:57 PM
After the quick service at the Catacombs, Carver tries to cast a spell and thankfully it goes off on first try. He succeeded in casting Expeditious Retreat and makes for the Giggling Ghost at full gallop, dodging around the occasional pedestrian. With the noise of the full plate, most of them hear him long before he comes into view. He slows down a block from the Giggling Ghost and saunters through the front door. Before joing the rest at the table, he gets a fill up for his goblet and orders a big plate of food. Joining the others, he gives a greeting to the Lady and her entourage and then says, "I got the lanterns and the scrolls, but I'd rather one with more familiarity with the spell cast the ones we need. I want one cast on my lance, and at least one in place of a burning wick in a lantern. I have 4 total of each, and casting them myself, has a chance of failure, somewhere between a 25 and 30% chance and that's too much for my liking." Hi order of deep fried onion O's and a porter house with baked potatoes arrives and he's busy eating rather than talking.
He's ready to go after the spells are cast.
Party info, 2 continual flame scrolls are available as well as 3 bullseye lanterns, after the 2 are cast on my stuff.
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Thursday March 19th, 2020 10:19:26 AM
Bartomus left the Catacombs knowing he may have to revisit it, but he wanted to go talk to some of the Merchants and the folks down below to see if they could help out with the Drow and kobold plight. As he started about, he crossed paths with Stohp got an update and a suggestion that folks send contributions to the Customs House and went about in the levels where they had fought zombies. He explained that he needed folks help, stopped in at the tattoo parlor and had them look at the work he had done there earlier getting a thumbs up on how it healed. He shared with all there the need for helping out the kobolds and the drow and asked them to spread the word. Every little bit helped or would help.
He eventually worked his way back up to the Ghost and joined in with the others. He listened to Carver explain about the scrolls and lanterns and turned to one of the Drow guards. "Ok, you look like someone who's seen some stuff, like what do you think is pushing those kobolds about and exactly how tall are these tunnels and such?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 96/96; AC: 25/22/16; Per: +15; Surv: +12; SM: +8 Thursday March 19th, 2020 10:19:55 AM "I think I'm ready to move on with the drow. Have I ever told you guys how I grew up underground. Not to say that puts me at any kind of an advantage but at least I'll be feeling a bit more comfortable than I did underwater...."
Then to Carver, "So your lance is going to be lit all the time? That should be useful. Just make sure that whatever we light up can be put away or smothered as needed...Wait. Am I the only one who can see in the dark?"
========== Sorry about the missed post yesterday. Could have sworn I posted but then again, everything is turned upside down right now...and I'm in the middle of getting a new job offer lined up
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] Thursday March 19th, 2020 1:25:49 PM
Dorbin thanks the dean and then heads back to the HQ. He talks to his cat, "Emily Jasmine, I'm headed off again. I know you want to come with me, and you're probably not going to listen to me, but I think you should stay home this time. No, I'm not going underwater, but there's going to be... things out there that might eat you. And yes, I'm aware that you might eat them, too, but what if they're really big? Sure, you'll take smaller bites. Ugh."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+19=31 ; Thursday March 19th, 2020 4:57:14 PM
Taking the opportunity to of lunch to talk with the drow he asks general questions about It'lal but specifically is looking for a few answers. He answers questions they put to him as well, whether it be about the Shields and their adventures, or the Float. Questions, "How many drow live in It'lal? Are there still the same three houses as there were last time you had communications with the Float? Are the Houses roughly equal or is there a clear leader? How long has It'lal been in the mountains? Did you make it through the Sargrass Cataclysm alright? How has the area changed now that the Crying Woods have been contained to the Plateau?" He does his best to work the questions in normal conversation to not feel like he is grilling them. Once lunch is over he takes them to see the docks and the turtleboats and the temples in the Gold level, thinking those to be some of the more notable sights of the Float. While viewing the temples he asks, "What gods are worshiped it It'lal?" ---------------------------------- Diplomacy 31
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 Thursday March 19th, 2020 6:37:06 PM
Stohp finishes her charity run and eventually tracks down the rest to the Ghost. "I think we're all set for preparations. Everyone make sure to get plenty of sleep tonight."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 42/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 6; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Thursday March 19th, 2020 7:48:27 PM
After their evening when things are set and winding down Sid makes sure that all of his things are ready. "So, we'll be off in the morning right? I'll be ready then. As long as things have the appropriate number of limbs I should be alright."
DM Robert - "Everyone make sure to get plenty of sleep tonight." Thursday March 19th, 2020 8:51:25 PM
Micah is unusually withdrawn.
Carver requests some continual light be cast on his lance.
Bartomus went down to the Trash level to try to round up some aid for the Drow. He asks one of the Drow how tall the tunnels would likely be where the kobolds come from.
Stock is ready to head underground. Good luck on the job.
Dorbin talks to his cat and prepares for adventure.
Zanderallen questions the Drow.
Stohp finishes her charity run.
Sid is ready to adventure.
________________
Bartomus asks one of the Drow, "Ok, you look like someone who's seen some stuff, like what do you think is pushing those kobolds about and exactly how tall are these tunnels and such?"
One of the Drow guards answers Bartomus, "Kobolds are small pitiful creatures whose main strength lies in numbers." He shrugs his shoulders, "Duergar, Dracolisk, Gremlin, Morlock, Naga, Orc, Serpent folk, Troglodyte, Troll, take your pick. As to the tunnels, depends on if anything was mined, could be five by five, to any size really."
Zanderallen asks "How many drow live in It'lal?"
Lady Yasume smiles, "More than five-hundred less than a thousand."
Zanderallen continues, "Are there still the same three houses as there were last time you had communications with the Float?"
Lady Yasume replies. "Yes."
Zanderallen then queries, "Are the Houses roughly equal or is there a clear leader?"
Lady Yasume seems to bristle a bit. "Circumstances being as they are House Bralfah is the largest contingent of Drow in the city. But all three houses share a power structure."
Zanderallen questions, "How long has It'lal been in the mountains?"
Lady Yasume replies, "It-lal is the Surface Drow "first home". It sits on the peak of a mountain, near the westernmost edge of a range of mountains, east of the Cruesa Sea and northeast of the New Elennian Peninsula. Abandoned about 1,400 years ago due to a war with reptilians and the Crying Woods, It'lal was rediscovered by the Shadow Guardians years ago, and resettled by three Drow Houses."
Zanderallen relentless continues, "Did you make it through the Sargrass Cataclysm alright?"
Lady Yasume responds, "We endured."
Zanderallen sallies away with another query, "How has the area changed now that the Crying Woods have been contained to the Plateau?"
Lady Yasume seems struck for a moment, "The Crying Woods is contained on a Plateau?" She is not aware of this happenstance as they have not ventured down from the mountain in some time. I'm going to assume you fill her in at this point.
Zanderalle finishes up with, "What gods are worshiped it It'lal?"
Lady Yasume answers, "A few still worship Jancassis, many worship Alemi, I myself am a follower of Ffloy." She fingers her holy symbol.
The tour of the Float is interesting. It may have helped the cause to see the Drow walking the city in the company of some of the Silver Shields. They at last depart.
The next morning you are awakened by a knocking on your door. Brassy has sent two large bags of food: bread, cheese and some smoked sausages. You estimate enough to feed 25 or so normal sized people. Don't forget the scrolls that were delivered.
When you get to the Custom House you see a rather perturbed official staring at crates, bales, bags and what not lining the street. "Is this YOUR doing?" he ask. There is quite literally more than you can carry in an armload, or three. You find a scattering of (all slightly used, except food): 3 tents, 40 blankets, 83 scented candles, about 3 cords of firewood, 34 used mugs, 42 plates, 90 peasants outfits, 3 scholars outfits, 29 artisans outfits, 90 gallons of water, 23 gallons of beer, 72 loaves of bread, 29 rounds of cheese, about 90 pounds of fresh caught fish (not yet cleaned), and 2 live goats.
As you stand looking at it all, while the Customs officer glares out you, the portal shimmers and opens up. You can see Lady Yasume and her 3 guards on the other side looking at you.
Micah approaches Carver. Echoing Stock, he asks, "I can cast those spells for you, but are you sure you want your lance glowing all the time? Do you perhaps, have some type of cover for it?" To demonstrate he unwraps his mace that he enchanted with the same spell some time ago.
He, too, acquires some additional supplies and then turns in for an early night.
Carver (JohnC) AC 21 (23)/10/22, CMB 11, CMD 24, HP 66/66, +4 v Fear if within 10', Speed 65' Character d20+17=25 ; Thursday March 19th, 2020 10:26:04 PM "Well, when we get time, I imagine I can get a leather wrap made for behind the tip of the lance, where the spell would be cast, when we get back, but stowing it in the Lance sheath for carrying it around, it'd be covered anyways. The leather can be made to rotate and cover or uncover as needed when the weapon is drawn for combat. It's not like I'm very stealthy even though I don't stomp on the ground when I move about. Plus I have a pebble tucked into my gauntlet already that's flaming, and getting it cast on the burner area of the lantern is just a back up.
Anyone else, 2 more scrolls and 3 lanterns if you want?
As to this pile of stuff, I can carry a bunch of it, but only to get to the city, I'm not gonna carry it deep down into the underground." Carver replies, and then he comments about the pile of supplies in the general direction of the Official. He tries to be a bit diplomatic, but he's not as silver tongued as his usual self.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16] Friday March 20th, 2020 11:47:49 AM
Dorbin looks around and smiles at the large pile of supplies. He says, "Yes. Isn't this great? So many supplies! Won't you help us get them through the gate and to the people that need them?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 96/96; AC: 25/22/16; Per: +15; Surv: +12; SM: +8 Friday March 20th, 2020 1:41:45 PM
Manual labor is something Stock can do. He frees up his hands and begins carrying as heavy of a load as he can manage. "Pardon me, excuse me. Coming through. Where do you want this stuff, my lady?"
He heads through the portal planning on returning as many times as necessary until all the stuff is moved.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 94/94 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+19=33 ; Friday March 20th, 2020 5:20:55 PM
Zanderallen quickly moves to intercept the official, assuring him it will be out of the way momentarily and he need not worry himself about it. Diplomacy 33
He looks at the pile of supplies and is quite happy about what was put together in such a short time. When Lady Yasume opens the portal he greets her warmly, "Good morning, m'lady. It seems we may need to find some porters to carry these supplies to your city. Hopefully it can all be put to good use." Unsure whether they should step through the portal or not he awaits a signal from Yasume.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 37/60 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (14 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) swim speed 30 d20+9=13 ; Friday March 20th, 2020 7:37:32 PM
Stohp tries to smooth things over with the official. "Yes sir, it is our doing. We shall have things cleaned up shortly; as you can see the recipients of these charitable goods are arriving now. I apologize for any inconvenience; we shall have everything cleaned up and out of the way as soon as possible."
One of the goats poops on her hoof, adding to the pile on the street that somewhat weakens her attempt to smooth things over. (diplomacy 13). "We'll get that cleaned up too." she says blithely
Bartomus(Rod) HP:59/59 AC: 19; Melee +7 +1CrvrSpell;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Saturday March 21st, 2020 1:01:53 AM "Isn't it absolutely wonderful that all of this is here and the Float, you sir as a representative of the Float and its generosity. Good sir, my apologies, have you met the Lady Yseme there in the portal? Surely, an important man such as yourself want to make a good impression on the newest delegation and noble to be in treaty with the Float?" Bartomus stands to the side of the official and points towards the portal and Lady Yseme. He looked about the Customs House and the pile of stuff. "Surely a man of your stature and authority can find someone that would be willing to help us move these items into the fabled city of the Drow?"
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